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UOVO
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
UOVO
8.7
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Quick Bites Champions
Trendy Table Hotspots
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
UOVO’s Marina del Rey outpost is a pasta-focused counter spot where Bologna-style egg pasta and lasagna are made from imported Italian dough and finished to order. Lines form for tightly edited classics, efficient service, and a price point that makes fresh, restaurant-quality lasagna feel like a regular weeknight option rather than a splurge.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lasagna alla Bolognese, Tonnarelli cacio e pepe, Tagliatelle al ragù
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 7.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Counter-service pasta bar serving Bologna-style lasagna with imported fresh pasta.
Who should go: Pasta obsessives who want serious lasagna without formality.
When to visit: Late lunches or early dinners to dodge peak lines.
What to order: Lasagna alla Bolognese, cacio e pepe, tagliatelle al ragù.
Insider tip: Sit at the counter to watch pastas and lasagna come together right off the line.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Garage parking is available in the Marina Marketplace structure with 90-minute validation; street parking along Admiralty Way is limited and fills quickly after 6pm.
Dress code: Casual and polished—most guests come in jeans or athleisure, but everything leans clean and put together.
Noise level: Moderate; counter seating keeps the energy lively, but conversations are easy without raising your voice.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes depending on peak rush, as the counter model can create brief backups.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait, often under 10 minutes unless a nearby office crowd hits all at once.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several pastas can be prepared vegetarian and the cacio e pepe is a strong non-meat option.
Vegan options: Very limited—most dishes rely on egg pasta and dairy-based sauces.
Gluten-free options: Not ideal—UOVO’s signature imported dough is wheat-based and gluten-free substitutions are not offered.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for low-key or activity-first dates—the counter setup keeps things casual and focused on food, though it’s not a dimly lit or extended-sit setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—UOVO operates as counter-service with no reservations. Arrive slightly off-peak to avoid the line.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids who enjoy pasta; the space is compact with counter seating, so strollers and very young children may find it less comfortable.
Best For
Better for: Fresh, fast, Bologna-style pastas at prices well below most sit-down Italian restaurants, plus consistently quick turnaround for lunch and casual dinners.
Skip if: You want a long, sit-down Italian meal, extensive wine options, or a fully gluten-free-friendly menu.
UOVO
8.1
UOVO brings a compact, pasta-focused concept to the marina, built around handmade noodles and sauces with a no-reservations, move-fast energy. Counter and table seating keep things casual enough for solo bowls or low-key dates while still feeling like a modern, in-demand Westside pasta bar.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe, Tagliatelle Bolognese, Ravioli di Ricotta
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 6.5
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Fast-moving pasta bar where fresh noodles and classic sauces lead the show.
Who should go: Pasta-obsessed diners who value flavor over white-tablecloth formality.
When to visit: Early evening on weeknights to avoid the longest walk-in waits.
What to order: Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe, tagliatelle Bolognese, ravioli di ricotta.
Insider tip: Sit at the counter if possible to watch plates fire and turn quickly.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Garage parking is available in the Admiralty Way structures, usually $2–$3 per hour; street parking is limited and fills quickly after 6pm.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; most guests arrive in jeans, tees, or light Westside evening wear.
Noise level: Moderate; counter seating has steady energy but conversations are still manageable.
Weekend wait: 30–50 minutes during prime hours due to walk-in only seating.
Weekday lunch: Minimal waits; often seated immediately or within 5–10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several strong options including tomato-based pastas and ricotta-filled ravioli.
Vegan options: Very limited; most pastas rely on eggs, butter, or cheese.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free pasta; cross-contact is likely, so not ideal for strict gluten-free diets.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want a casual, modern pasta bar with quick service and good food; less ideal if you want a long, intimate dinner setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—UOVO is walk-in only. Arrive early evening to avoid the longest line, or sit at the counter for the fastest turnover.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids who enjoy pasta and can sit at a counter; not ideal for strollers or very young children due to tight seating and quick pacing.
Best For
Better for: Quick, high-quality handmade pasta without the ceremony of a full-service Italian restaurant.
Skip if: You need gluten-free pasta, a long leisurely meal, or a quieter, more formal environment.